Harley plans adventure, streetfighters & electrics

Harley-Davidson has announced its most diverse range of motorcycles yet, including an adventure bike (pictured above), streetfighters, electric bikes and bicycles, and small-capacity motorbikes.

It’s part of a bold $US275 million investment plan to generate more than $1 billion in extra sales, particularly in India and China, and meet CEO Matt Levitch’s promise last year of 100 new models in the next 10 years.

”We’re going to be doubling down on existing products,” Matt says.

“We’re going to invest in an all-new middleweight platform, which is a modular chassis and a very core engine technology to go in three dramatically different spaces: adventure touring, custom and street fighter.”

Full details will be announced at the global dealer meeting on 22 August 2018 in the US, but it will also include updated traditional heavyweight touring bikes and cruisers with improved safety features (probably traction control, engine modes and cornering ABS), performance, connectivity and
infotainment.

Adventure Harley

Pan America 1250

The liquid-cooled adventure bike is called the Pan America in 975cc and 1250cc versions due in 2020-21.

It will take on the maxi-adventure-bike market dominated by the BMW GS, Ducati Multistrada, KTM Adventure and Triumph Tigers.

Harley promises a “lot of advanced technology” but released no more details only images of the 1250 prototype which features a V-twin engine, upside-down forks, high pipe, tall windscreen, engine protection and tubeless knobby tyres on spoked wheels.

Although Harley has made dirt bikes before, their only other big-capacity adventure bike was the Buell Ulysses.

Customs and streetfighters

Custom 1250

There will also be five custom in 2021-22 and nine streetfighters in 2020-22 with family names yet to be decided. The terms “custom” and “streetfighter” are only generic at the moment.

They are powered by new liquid-cooled 60-degree DOHC V-twins which will be produced in a range of sizes from 500cc to 1250cc.

The custom range appear to be replacements for the axed V-Rod family and the streetfighters will tackle the Ducati Monster and Triumph Street Triple.

Streetfighter 975

The midweight bikes will feature fully adjustable Showa suspension, Brembo monobloc brakes, Michelin tyres and a “proper electronics package” although they have not provided details.

We image it will include engine maps, cornering ABS, traction control and maybe even electronic suspension.
These bikes are expected to replace the Sportster range.

Electric Harleys

LiveWire

As announced earlier this year, Harley will next year sell an electric LiveWire sportsbike. Harley says battery range has increased and price has come down, but did not supply details.

Smaller electric bike

Company boss Matt Levatich also announced plans for two smaller electric bikes in 2021-22 and three lightweight urban bikes in 2021-22, including a pedal-less electric mountain bicycle, a utility scooter and an electric-assist bicycle.

Mini Harleys

The company also plans to make 250cc-500cc motorcycles for Asia through an alliance with an as-yet undisclosed regional manufacturer.

“The bold actions we are announcing today leverage Harley-Davidson’s vast capabilities and competitive firepower – our excellence in product development and manufacturing, the global appeal of the brand and of course, our great dealer network,” Matt said.

Funding

The company will fund its new plans by cutting down on costs and reallocating previously planned investments.

Harley will also next month open a factory in Thailand to join its overseas production facilities in India and Brazil.

They also plan to substantially increase the number of dealers, particularly in India and China.

Post navigation

4 Comments

A dear friend of mine told me that he would sooner push his Harley rather than ride an electric one.
I replied by saying that he already has to push his Harley most of the time and that the translation should be rather seem less.

I might become one of them if H-D start producing bikes like this, which is a big turnaround for me because for my whole life I have been a very dedicated “Harley hater”. But let’s just wait and see if these bikes perform as well as other brands, and aren’t overweight and over-priced. Being Harleys they will probably put a premium price on them, and I don’t waste my money on brand names. Maybe H-D will actually start producing good motorcycles, which is something they haven’t done for more than 60 years.

With that sort of investment they must have confidence that internal combustion 2-wheelers will be required for some time yet, which is very comforting. Or is this another example of how H-D is always behind the times.

Obviously, old chap, you’ve never owned a Harley. The big ones are road tractors, all low down grunt and beautiful to sit on for hours. If you want to flit here and there around the sharp twisties at high revs then buy something designed for that but inevitably less comfortable (and the chiropractors will thank you).

I purchased a Fat Bob (103 cubes) new in 2012. Not only has it never missed a beat, it is a dream highway machine. Sixth is fine most of the way, up and down hills (lazy big long-stroker), but if you want to pass then a drop to fifth should do unless you’re in a hurry. If you’re grabbing a B-double then fourth with a lift to fifth as you pass his open window, he’ll love it.

Yes, but whatever bike Harley make, somebody else makes something much better and for a lot less money. H-D hasn’t even attempted to make a good motorcycle for decades, until now. They have simply been selling a fantasy image.